Injuries due to fireworks up 76% to 30 compared to last year –DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reported 30 new fireworks-related injuries, which is 76% higher compared to last years’ 17 cases.

However, the DOH said this was 66% lower than the five-year average of 89 cases during the same period.

According to the DOH, nine of the cases occurred in the Western Visayas.

“There was no fireworks ingestion, stray bullet injury, or death reported this year. Twenty-five cases were due to illegal fireworks with Boga as the highest number of cases with nine,” the DOH said.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III reiterated the agency’s call for the public to use alternatives to fireworks in welcoming the new year such as using instruments like sound systems, bells, pans, or tambourines.

“The DOH always hopes that celebrations like this will not create untoward accidents. That is why we are relentlessly reminding everyone of safer alternatives to welcoming the New Year,” Duque said in a statement.

Duque also urged the public to follow minimum public health standards.

“As we welcome the New Year, let us be mindful that we are still facing the threat of COVID-19 and our best defense against transmission is the Minimum Public Health Standards,” he said. — DVM, GMA News